Alterations in Blood Metabolic Parameters of Immature Mice after Subchronic Exposure to Cobalt Chloride

The wide use of cobalt (Co) in food, industry, and medical devices requires full elucidation of its biological effects on tissues and organs. The aim was to assess serum metabolic alterations in immature mice after subchronic exposure to CoCl2. Pregnant ICR mice were subjected to a daily dose of 75 mg cobalt chloride/kg body weight (CoCl2x6H2O) 2–3 days before they gave birth, and treatment continued until days 25 and 30 after delivery. The compound was dissolved in and obtained with regular tap water. ICP-DRC-MS analysis showed significantly elevated serum Co2+ and diverse alterations in metabolic parameters of 25- and 30-day-old pups after exposure to CoCl2. Cholesterol and urea levels were significantly elevated in day 25 mice while HDL-C and LDL-C were reduced. In day 30, Co-exposed mice LDL-C and triglycerides were significantly increased while the total cholesterol level remained unchanged. Alkaline phosphatase was significantly reduced in day 25 Co-exposed mice. Blood glucose level of Co-exposed mice remained close to the untreated controls. Total protein content was slightly increased in day 30 mice. Co-exposure reduced albumin content and albumin/globulin ratio but increased significantly globulin content. Co administration showed strong correlation with cholesterol, urea, and HDL-C in both day 25 and 30 mice. Inverse correlation was found with alkaline phosphatase and albumin for day 25 and with triglycerides, globulin, and total protein content in day 30 Co-exposed mice. Subchronic CoCl2 exposure of immature mice induced significant changes in key metabolic parameters suggesting possible further disturbances in energy metabolism, osteogenesis, and reproduction.